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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. On the story’s first evening, what wakes Nat from sleep?
(a) The wind howling in the chimney.
(b) His daughter crying.
(c) Tapping at his window.
(d) A nightmare.

2. During the first attack, how long does Nat battle against the birds in the bedroom?
(a) He has no idea.
(b) Half an hour.
(c) Fifteen minutes.
(d) Over an hour.

3. Who does Mr. Trigg think has poisoned the birds?
(a) The French.
(b) The Chinese.
(c) The Russians.
(d) The Americans.

4. Why hasn’t Mr. Trigg boarded up his windows against the attacking birds?
(a) He thinks his dogs will scare them off.
(b) He didn’t have enough time.
(c) He has hung barbed wire instead.
(d) He doesn’t believe they’ll attack.

5. What type of birds were involved in the previous night’s attack?
(a) Small birds, like wrens.
(b) Medium birds, like robins.
(c) Hunting birds, like hawks.
(d) Large birds, like seagulls.

6. When Nat sees the gulls circling overhead, what do they look like they’re waiting for?
(a) Prey.
(b) Prayers.
(c) Orders.
(d) The tide.

7. During the one o’clock news bulletin, how are the birds described?
(a) As a nightmare.
(b) As a confused species.
(c) As bloodthirsty monsters.
(d) As a thick, black cloud.

8. Which aspect of the birds’ behavior does Nat find most interesting?
(a) Their mating.
(b) Their eating habits.
(c) Their migration.
(d) Their fighting.

9. At three o’clock, Nat sees that the sky is “colorless.” What does he compare it to?
(a) Salt.
(b) Feathers.
(c) Teeth.
(d) Snow.

10. What does Mr. Trigg offer Nat for protection against the birds?
(a) Pepper spray.
(b) A gun.
(c) A machete.
(d) A net.

11. Why doesn’t Mrs. Hocken immediately open the door for Nat when he runs home?
(a) The door is jammed.
(b) She doesn’t hear him knocking.
(c) The newscaster told her not to open it.
(d) She's too afraid.

12. How many days does Nat work on the farm?
(a) 3.
(b) 7.
(c) 6.
(d) 1.

13. Who offers to drive Jill home from the bus stop?
(a) A passerby.
(b) Mr. Trigg.
(c) The bus driver.
(d) The policeman.

14. At the story’s opening, how does Nat describe the birds’ strange behavior?
(a) As violent.
(b) As restless.
(c) As haunting.
(d) As confused.

15. How did the birds get into the children’s bedroom?
(a) Through the wooden floor.boards
(b) Through an open window.
(c) Through the chimney.
(d) Through a hole in the roof. shingles

Short Answer Questions

1. As he watches the birds fly closer, what does Nat realize is their target?

2. At what time is the news broadcast in the evening?

3. What haunting sound does Nat hear when the birds start to attack on his way home from the bus stop?

4. What is the first thing Nat does when he hears about the other bird attacks?

5. Why doesn’t Nat ride along with Jill?

(see the answer keys)

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